Beaufort

This movie is simply amazing - but as mentioned else where - might be extremely problematic for the non Israeli, non IDF serving audience. Despite that - the movie has a universal notion that shines through: occupation wars that last for years on end with no clear objective except to stay in the occupied land cannot be won. This is hardly even war - its the use of naive young men, using their sense of patriotism and love for their country and willingness to serve it for a twisted, outdated political machination that ends up killing them and putting them in impossible situations. The movie was criticized for being far too left winged, but I view it as mostly right winged - it shows the camaraderie of soldiers, the bonds that can only be created, or so it seems, in a close knit military unit. Also - there are no women in the movie, not even by voice - which further serves to show a society built on macho-ism and the devotion for young men and their sacrifices to the country. There are no talks of peace here, no talk about negotiations or even viewing the enemy as human. There is only running away or fighting. Despite all that - the movie captures a sense of reality, filled with all variants of humor and pain and longing to get home that captured me completely. I served 4 years in the IDF and this movie manages to get to the core, to the essence of the unbelievable situation of serving, fighting and dieing without knowing why, without seeing any goal or reason in the madness - only following orders.

This is one of the best Israely movies created - if you have any interest in Israely cinema, regardless of your political or other views, don't miss it.

Considering the sanitized pulp that the United States military participates in the filming of, it is refreshing to see a movie about soldiers that rings true and does not shy away from controversy. The IDF must also be commended for actively participating in the making of a film that does not shine the best light on the occupation of southern Lebanon.

Ultimately it is Israeli politicians and inept commanders that take the brunt of the blame for the appalling conditions the soldiers portrayed in this movie endure while holding on to their mountain top position.

Hezbollah obviously plays a part in this story, yet they are an unseen presence. They are always just out of the frame and sporadically, sometimes shockingly so, they remind everyone involved of their lethal potential.

Set aside your preconceived notions of the Israeli-Arab conflict and see this movie.

In 1982, Israel was forced to invade southern Lebanon in self defense after repeated attacks. But after holding a buffer zone for 18 years, with increasing casualties caused by a strengthening Hezbollah, the army's presence there began to seem pointless.

This is a story about soldiers stationed at an outpost in Lebanon just before the eventual withdrawal in 2000. It manages to raise many valid moral and existential questions without getting preachy or politically partisan. Beaufort is a strong film that really sticks in your mind afterwards. The dialogues spoken by the soldiers is very true to life and the movie is highly authentic in every respect. It is well directed, the cast is good across the board, and the visuals are persuasive and gripping. But most of all, Beaufort succeeds in giving you a real sense of the fear and suspense of being a sitting duck for Hezbollah rocket-launchers to fire at. It is utterly nerve-wrecking.

Minor flaws include the customary setting-up of a character's personality just before he gets killed, to make you mourn his loss more, but such obvious manipulations are few and don't significantly hurt the movie.

It's about Israeli soldiers holding down a fort in Southern Lebanon, but it could be about soldiers anywhere. That is what makes this film so memorable.

Lebanon, Afghanistan, Bosnia, Iraq, it is all the same when it comes to politics and the soldiers that have to carry out the policies made by chickenhawks far removed from the front.

It is touching and funny at times. I could really relate to the truck arriving with fresh supplies after a long wait. It is common and a hot meal at midnight is much appreciated when you have been running low.

It shows real soldiers doing real grunt work. It is an outstanding film.

I'm not a fan of the war genre, but Beaufort plays out more as a psychological thriller, and I find it hard to fault. There was an amazing blend of naturalism, stylistic devices, humour, touching human drama and suspense - at one time I jumped in my seat like I never have before.

The camera movements and cinematography are excellent and reinforce a sense of claustrophobia as a group of Israeli soldiers keep guard at an historic fort within southern Lebanon, but are virtually under siege by Hezbollah forces. Character development is also excellent with much authenticity. The film focuses on the idiosyncrasies of various characters and how they interact with each other under the circumstances. Respect for the commanding officer is sometimes lacking, resulting in a lack of discipline and friction at a difficult time.

I count this film as one of my favourite films in the genre, kind of a cross between Stanley Kubrick's Full Metal Jacket and Sam Mendes' Jarhead, and as good as either of these. Like these two films, there is an understated political critique in how young men are pawns in the games played by those who live comfortably away from the field of battle and death. Whether you like war films or not, this is must-see cinema.

I saw the film's screening at the Melbourne International Film Festival.